Cabinet approves Rs 500 crore special scheme for Naxal-hit states
New Delhi, Sep 11 : The Union Cabinet today approved a Rs.500 crore special scheme
which will be launched by the government during the 11th Plan in the Naxal-affected
states.
The Centrally sponsored scheme was approved today at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee
on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, an official
spokesperson said.
For the current financial year, Rs.100 crore has been earmarked for the scheme.
The objective of the new scheme is to adequately provide for crucial infrastructure
requirement that are critical to policing and security needs in the field but are not
adequately provided for in any existing scheme, she said.
Over 70 districts in the country are affected by Left wing extremism, which has been
described by the Prime Minister as a "virus" and the biggest internal security threat.
In continuing Naxal violence in around a dozen states, over 400 people, including over
150 securitymen, have been killed so far this year.
The Government recently approved formation of a 10,000-strong special anti-Naxal force
'COBRA' -- Combat Battalion for Resolute Action -- to tackle the menace.
In another decision, the Union Cabinet approved creation of 48 new posts of Special
Directors General, Additional Directors General and Inspectors General in various central
police organisations keeping in view functional necessity.
These posts will strengthen the supervisory structure of these organisations for better
command and control.
--ANI
